Work on the Royal Victoria Pavilion in Ramsgate is nearing completion in time for its opening day as a Wetherspoon pub at 8am on August 29.
The grade II listed building has undergone work refurbishing some of the original, historic features, including the porthole windows, and the creation of a new terraced balcony garden.
There is also a new community space, ground floor sheltered terrace facing the beach and pavement cafe under the canopy area facing Harbour Parade.
Pub managers Chris Whitbourn and Charlotte Mason have recruited around 100 staff through open days held at East Kent College and the Mechanical Elephant.
Training is taking place now ready for the official opening, which will be conducted by mayor Trevor Shonk.
The Royal Victoria Pavilion was built in 1903 and was opened on 29th June 1904 by H.R.H. Princess Louise.
The cost was said to be in the region of £40,000.
It was designed by architect Stanley Davenport Adshead in the style of a Robert Adam orangery.
It is said the design took one week and the building work just six weeks, ready for the opening of the summer season.
The building was once a vibrant public space, housing a concert hall and assembly rooms and then in later years a dance hall, Peggy Sues nightclub and Rank Casino.
Rank Leisure casino moved to Westwood Cross in 2008 and the Pavilion had been empty ever since
It was in a deteriorating condition, owing to neglect and serious damage caused by a fire in 2011.
It was listed on the Victorian Societies’ Building at Risk Register in 2013.
Planning permission for the Wetherspoon pub was granted last year and a lease deal with Thanet council came soon afterwards.
An opening date of July this year was moved back as specialist work took longer than expected.
The project has cost around £4million.
Absolutely magic. I can’t wait to get off my face in their on Friday and Saturdayy nights with the lads.